| As some of you may know, my sister Terri is the entire reason I run. Terri ran the Marine Corps Marathon 5 years ago and I cheered her on from the sidelines, eating pretzels, chatting up other supporters and running along behind her taking pictures. When she finished the race she challenged me to a half-marathon the next year . . . which I didn’t do. She upped the ante and challenged me to a marathon the next year, which I did do – the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. It was intense. I started crying at mile 18 and barely pulled myself together until mile 25, but I finished. So we did it again the next year at the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Happily, I didn’t cry until I crossed the finish line.
This fall we are doing the Washington DC Marine Corps Marathon and for the first time, we are doing it for a cause other than getting Marika across the line. This year we will run to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Each of us has the goal to raise 2,000 for a total of 4,000. This is a mere drop in the bucket for what is needed to help Marine’s who have come home needing our help and gratitude. Hopefully, with the 650 runners running to raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund, we can collectively make an impact that will ensure our military members are well provided for and get the best treatment and assistance possible. A small way to say thank you, but a vital way to show we care. Please help me reach my goal. A dollar (or more) for each mile of the run would be a way to make sure I have a reason to keep moving forward!
Thank you,
Marika
The Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines, Sailors and other military personnel assigned to Marine Forces, injured in post 9-11 combat, training, or with life threatening illnesses. Assistance is also provided to their families as they support their loved one.
The Semper Fi Fund was established in May 2004 by a group of Marine spouses who saw first hand the needs of our wounded. Since inception, they have been able to give out more than $36 million to service members and their families. But the need to support our service members continues to be large and ongoing! Please join me in supporting this noble mission by donating to my "Run for the Fund."
The Semper Fi Fund is 501 (c) 3 Non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible. |
